Tsunami advisories issued for parts of the U.S. coast
 

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From the BNO Newsroom.

LOS ANGELES (BNO NEWS) – Authorities on Tuesday issued tsunami advisories from the California-Mexico border to the Oregon-Washington border after a major 8.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific Ocean hours earlier, causing deadly tsunamis which killed scores of people on islands near the epicenter.

A tsunami advisory means that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is imminent or expected shortly. No destructive waves, however, are expected.

"Forecasts indicate that a tsunami with amplitudes in the range of 20 to 65 cm is expected along the California and Oregon coast," a bulletin from the West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center read. "Tsunamis of this amplitude can generate strong currents, dangerous to those very near or in the ocean. The tsunami is expected to build and reach its maximum approximately one and a half hours after the initial arrival."

People are being urged to stay away from the shore lines while the advisory remains in effect. If you see the water level receding, it could be a sign that a tsunami is approaching. If you see the water level receding, immediately go to higher ground. The first tsunami wave does not mean it is the strongest wave. Wave heights will increase rapidly as water shallows and nears the coast.

"Coastal residents are advised to stay out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors and marinas," an emergency message from the National Weather Service in San Diego read. "Wave heights and currents are amplified by irregular shoreline and are difficult to predict. The initial wave may not be the largest. Later waves may be larger. Mariners in water deeper than 600 feet should not be affected," it added. "Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival."

Further, the U.S. Coast Guard strongly encourages waterfront users to take extra precautions in preparation for the possibility of a surge, to include securing vessel mooring arrangements and possible sources of pollution.

A tsunami advisory also remains in effect for Hawaii.

Click here to read more on the initial earthquake.

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